Hospital Bed vs. Adjustable Bed: Which is Right for You?

Hospital beds and adjustable beds offer head and foot angle adjustments for people who require changes in position due to pain, illness, surgery, snoring, sleep apnea, or simply for comfort. However, there are some important differences between the two.

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The main difference between a hospital bed and an adjustable bed is that a hospital bed is designed for people who need temporary or permanent medical care, whereas an adjustable bed is designed for comfort and convenience. If you or a loved one needs an adjustable bed either temporarily or permanently, being aware of the differences between a hospital bed vs adjustable bed will help you make the most appropriate choice.

Height Adjustability

Both hospital beds and adjustable beds have adjustable bed frames with independent head and foot sections. However, most hospital beds can also be raised and lowered vertically whereas adjustable beds cannot. 

Typically, a hospital bed is raised for more ergonomic caregiving&#;preventing the caregiver from having to bend over&#;and lowered when the patient is sleeping to minimize any injuries from a fall (hospital beds also come with bed rails, so the risk of a fall is low). 

Being able to raise and lower the bed can also be helpful when using patient lifts to transfer the patient between the bed and a wheelchair, power chair, or commode, and for safety while performing exercises for bedridden patients.

Size

Hospital beds are intended for use by a single patient and typically come in an extra-long twin size. Adjustable beds, by contrast, come in several different sizes, including twin, full, queen, king, and even split king&#;allowing two people to share the bed while adjusting each side of the bed separately.

A note about bed linen: Hospital beds typically require a special extra-long twin fitted sheet whereas adjustable beds usually conform to traditional household linen sizes. Linen for hospital beds is readily available and can be purchased at most medical supply stores.

Portability

As hospital beds often need to be moved from place to place, they typically come with wheels for easier portability. This is a helpful feature to have if a patient will be moved between a bedroom and a sitting room or will need to be wheeled between an operating theater and a recovery room. Adjustable beds, as pieces of domestic furniture, aren't designed to be moved around. However, some models fold up for easy storage when not in use.

Features

Hospital beds and adjustable beds have very different features, reflecting the end-user each kind of bed is intended to serve.

Hospital beds typically have:

• A handset and remote controls for changing the head or foot angle

• Safety rails

• A removable footboard

• A foam mattress with an easy-to-clean vinyl surface

• An over-bed table (optional)

• A trapeze bar (optional)

• USB charging ports (selected models)

Adjustable beds may have:

• Remote, Wi-Fi, and smartphone control

• A gel, memory foam, latex, or hybrid mattress

• Pre-set positions

• Under-bed lighting

• USB charging ports

• Massage function

• Heat function

• Wake up alarms

• Speakers

• Bluetooth

While hospital beds usually come with standard features, adjustable beds can be ordered with custom features to suit the preferences and intended use of the buyer. This reflects the fact that hospital beds have a more utilitarian purpose whereas adjustable beds are used for comfort, convenience, or fun.

Power Source

Both hospital beds and adjustable beds use electricity to run. However, there are a few differences in the options available as far as the power source is concerned.

• Manual bed. The bed is raised and lowered with a hand crank rather than with electricity. Manually cranked hospital beds were the norm before push-button hospital beds were invented in .

• Semi-electric bed. This model typically has a hand crank for the bed height and powered controls for the heat and foot sections. Some models offer powered heat and foot adjustments with a static (non-adjustable) bed height.

• Full-electric bed. A full-electric bed has a motorized bed height adjustment as well as powered controls for the head and foot sections. Specialty hospital beds and adjustable beds are typically fully electric.

Aesthetics

As pieces of durable medical equipment, hospital beds are designed for functionality rather than aesthetics. The headboard and footboard are typically simple, without elaboration, and the mattress usually has a vinyl outer layer for easy cleaning.

By contrast, adjustable beds come in a wide range of textures and colors and are often indistinguishable from traditional beds. However, with the rising popularity of in-home hospital beds, some manufacturers are starting to design hospital beds with electronic components hidden from view that blend in easily with the decor in your room.

Legal Oversight

As medical devices, hospital beds are usually manufactured in accordance with FDA guidelines and pass rigorous testing for product safety. In contrast, adjustable beds are not medical devices and don't go through the same testing as hospital beds. Instead, adjustable beds are covered by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, and as such must not present an unreasonable risk of serious injury.

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Cost

The cost of a hospital bed vs an adjustable bed depends on the size and features of the bed. While basic models may have a similar cost, full-electric adjustable beds with a wide range of features will tend to cost a lot more than basic hospital beds.

If you'll only need an adjustable bed for a few weeks, it's usually more cost-effective to rent hospital beds rather than purchase one outright. However, if you'll need the bed permanently, purchasing one makes more financial sense. Our mobility equipment supply store in Denver, Colorado, for example, offers credit from your hospital bed rental if you later decide to buy the bed.

Hospital Bed vs Adjustable Bed: The Verdict

After considering the unique features of each kind of electric bed, hospital beds are more suited to use by patients with health or mobility challenges and adjustable beds are more suited to use by able-bodied people who simply want greater comfort and convenience than a traditional bed provides.

If you're not sure which kind of bed you prefer or only need it temporarily while recovering from an injury, illness, or surgery, consider hospital bed rental. If you end up needing the bed long-term and find that it's perfect for your needs, you can always buy it later on.

Adjustable hospital beds are essential in modern healthcare for supporting patient recovery and improving well-being. Adjustable beds can improve clinical outcomes by helping both patients and care teams.

Electric hospital beds move smoothly and efficiently for precise positioning, and they&#;re an essential tool for patient recovery. Explore the benefits of adjustable hospital beds for your patients.

Enhance Comfort

Adjustable hospital beds allow patients and medical staff to customize bed positioning. The bed can meet any patient&#;s unique needs thanks to multiple adjustable sections.

Adjusting the head and foot sections or the overall bed height helps patients find the most supportive positions for sitting, lying, and getting into or out of bed. With the push of a few buttons, a patient can smoothly transition between different positions to optimize comfort and healing, improving physical and mental well-being.

Prevent Pressure Ulcers

Another benefit of adjustable hospital beds for patients is that they help prevent pressure ulcers. Patients who must stay in bed and those with limited mobility are at an increased risk of developing painful pressure ulcers, also called bedsores.

Adjustable beds make it easier for care teams to change a patient&#;s positioning regularly, reducing the risk of ulcer formation. Adjustable beds can also be fitted with pressure-relief mattresses, cushions, and overlays that redistribute pressure to relieve high-risk areas.

Increase Circulation

Adjustable hospital beds can help increase circulation, especially in patients with limited mobility or circulatory issues. Common conditions that affect circulation include diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. However, all patients who spend ample time lying in bed are at risk of developing medical conditions associated with poor circulation.

Poor circulation can cause discomfort, tingling, swelling, and cramps. Poor circulation also slows recovery and can worsen symptoms.

A patient can adjust the bed to alleviate limb pressure and keep the spine aligned&#;the patient&#;s condition and personal preference help determine the best positioning. To support good circulation, side sleepers should sleep on their left side when possible.

Improve Respiratory Function

Elevating the patient&#;s head or upper body can improve breathing function. This advantage is great for all patients, but those with postnasal drip or respiratory conditions like sleep apnea and snoring may find it particularly beneficial.

When a patient lies flat on their back, the soft tissue in the throat can partially obstruct the airway. Elevating the head and upper body prevents this obstruction, keeping the airway open, minimizing snoring, and making breathing easier for the patient.

Snoring, sleep apnea, and mouth-breathing can cause daytime fatigue, headaches, and poor focus. Give patients a restful night&#;s sleep with adjustable hospital beds.

Tip: Always Adjust Positioning Supports

Adjustable beds will make placing patients in optimal positions easier and more secure, but positioning supports, such as pillows and cushions, may need further adjustment. For example, Fowler&#;s position, also called the sitting position, promotes lung expansion and is useful for patients with respiratory problems. Patients in Fowler&#;s position may sometimes need to rest without a pillow to promote neck extension.

Offer Relief From Acid Reflux and GERD

Acid reflux is characterized by stomach acid flowing up into the esophagus. The backwash of stomach acid irritates the esophageal lining and causes symptoms including a burning sensation in the chest (heartburn), trouble swallowing, and upper abdominal or chest pain.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a more intense form of acid reflux in which the stomach acid backflow is chronic and damages the body over time. Frequent acid reflux can cause GERD to develop.

With an adjustable bed, a patient can alleviate acid reflux and heartburn by raising the head portion to rest in a reclined state. In this position, gravity helps keep stomach acid down to lessen the risk of reflux.

Achieve Therapeutic Post-Surgical Positioning

Correct post-surgical positioning promotes healing and prevents complications. Maintain the integrity of surgical incisions and closures and improve the overall recovery process with an adjustable bed.

The surgical team may provide recommendations and instructions for postoperative sleeping positions. The guidelines will depend on the patient&#;s condition, the type of surgery performed, and other factors.

An adjustable bed also improves sitting positions. For example, adjustable beds can be positioned to support the patient in a sitting position, with an overbed table topped with pillows to lean on. This position, called the orthopneic or tripod position, maximizes lung expansion and makes exhaling easier.

Tip: Augment the Bed With Cushions and Pads

Adjusting the bed will help with overall comfort and mobility. Positioning devices can further customize support. Specialized cushions or pads can ensure direct pressure is not applied to the incision site.

Typically, patients who have had surgeries on their arms or legs elevate the affected limbs to reduce swelling. A patient or care provider can adjust the bed and use supportive pillows and foam wedges to keep these limbs in position.

Support Pain Management

Persistent pain is a common issue for hospitalized patients. An adjustable bed can alleviate back, neck, and joint pain, making it easier to precisely position patients and minimize discomfort.

Elevating certain body parts can relieve pressure on painful areas. Redistributing pressure and improving circulation reduces pain and leads to better tissue oxygenation.

Adequate pain control can lead to faster recovery. Inadequately controlled pain can lead to complications such as decreased lung function and problems with cognitive processes. Reducing pain can help patients feel more at ease and improve their mental and emotional state.

Using an adjustable bed for pain management can also improve treatment compliance. Pain can prevent patients from participating fully in physical therapy, but managing pain can help patients comply with their care plans and achieve better outcomes.

Support Caregivers and Medical Staff

Finally, an adjustable bed helps ease the workload for caregivers and medical staff. Automatically adjusting a bed&#;s height and the position of the head and feet reduces the strain on caregivers&#; backs when changing linens, administering treatments, assisting with hygiene, and performing other patient care tasks. User-friendly controls make it easy to adjust the beds efficiently.

An adjustable bed can also empower patients to retain mobility and independence during recovery. With the ability to adjust the bed&#;s height, patients can get in and out of bed more easily, reducing the risk of falls. For patients who use mobility aids, an adjustable bed facilitates safer transfers that may improve confidence.

Provide safety and comfort for your patients with adjustable hospital beds from Piedmont Medical. We professionally restore each of our reconditioned hospital beds to like-new condition to achieve the highest safety and functionality standards. Shop with us today to improve your patients&#; recovery experiences at your medical care facility.

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